October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
Wenatchee, Methow and Icicle rivers
open Oct. 5 for coho salmon fishing
ACTIONS: Open the Methow, Wenatchee, and Icicle Rivers on October 5, 2011 to retention of coho salmon until October 31, 2011.
SPECIES AFFECTED: Coho salmon
GENERAL RULES:
Daily limit 3 coho salmon, minimum size 12 inches.
Selective gear rules are in effect for all coho fishery areas, no bait allowed.
Night closure in effect for all coho fishery areas.
Release all floy (anchor) tagged coho.
Release all coho with one or more round one quarter inch in diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.
EFFECTIVE DATES AND LOCATIONS:
1) The Wenatchee River from the mouth of the Wenatchee River to the mouth of the Icicle River, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam; October 5, 2011 until October 31, 2011.
NOTE: the upper boundary of the coho fishery on the Wenatchee River is downstream of the boundary for the Chinook and steelhead fisheries.
2) The Methow River from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop; October 5, 2011 until October 31, 2011. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing
(1 mile upstream from the mouth) to the lowermost Hwy 153 bridge (4 miles upstream from the mouth).
OTHER ANGLER INFORMATION:
Anglers should be aware that fishing rules are subject to change and that rivers may close at any time due to impacts on natural origin steelhead.
Anglers are reminded that motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers (per Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 Motorboat restrictions)
Anglers must possess a valid fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring these fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually for WDFW to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.
Anglers are also reminded to check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j for changes to fishing rules.
Reason for action: At least 20,000 coho are expected to return this year above Rock Island Dam and are in excess of spawning escapement and hatchery broodstock needs. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist (Methow), (509) 997-0316, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist (Wenatchee, Icicle), (509) 665-3337.
Wenatchee, Methow and Icicle rivers
open Oct. 5 for coho salmon fishing
ACTIONS: Open the Methow, Wenatchee, and Icicle Rivers on October 5, 2011 to retention of coho salmon until October 31, 2011.
SPECIES AFFECTED: Coho salmon
GENERAL RULES:
Daily limit 3 coho salmon, minimum size 12 inches.
Selective gear rules are in effect for all coho fishery areas, no bait allowed.
Night closure in effect for all coho fishery areas.
Release all floy (anchor) tagged coho.
Release all coho with one or more round one quarter inch in diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.
EFFECTIVE DATES AND LOCATIONS:
1) The Wenatchee River from the mouth of the Wenatchee River to the mouth of the Icicle River, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam; October 5, 2011 until October 31, 2011.
NOTE: the upper boundary of the coho fishery on the Wenatchee River is downstream of the boundary for the Chinook and steelhead fisheries.
2) The Methow River from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop; October 5, 2011 until October 31, 2011. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing
(1 mile upstream from the mouth) to the lowermost Hwy 153 bridge (4 miles upstream from the mouth).
OTHER ANGLER INFORMATION:
Anglers should be aware that fishing rules are subject to change and that rivers may close at any time due to impacts on natural origin steelhead.
Anglers are reminded that motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers (per Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 Motorboat restrictions)
Anglers must possess a valid fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring these fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually for WDFW to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.
Anglers are also reminded to check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j for changes to fishing rules.
Reason for action: At least 20,000 coho are expected to return this year above Rock Island Dam and are in excess of spawning escapement and hatchery broodstock needs. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist (Methow), (509) 997-0316, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist (Wenatchee, Icicle), (509) 665-3337.